Are 100ml Shortfills Better for Sub-Ohm Vaping?

If you’ve spent any time browsing the vape aisle or scrolling through online vape shops, you’ve probably noticed that 100ml shortfill bottles have become almost impossible to ignore. They’re everywhere. But are they actually better for sub-ohm vaping, or is it just clever marketing? The honest answer is – for most sub-ohm vapers, yes, they genuinely are. Here’s why.

What Exactly Is a 100ml Shortfill?

Before we get into the comparison, it helps to understand what a shortfill actually is. A shortfill is a nicotine-free e-liquid that comes in a bottle larger than the volume of liquid inside. So a 100ml shortfill will typically contain around 80–100ml of e-liquid, leaving room in the bottle for you to add one or two nicotine shots – commonly called “nic shots” – to reach your preferred nicotine strength.

The reason they exist in their current form comes down to UK and EU regulations introduced under the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which limits nicotine-containing e-liquids to 10ml bottles. By selling the liquid without nicotine, manufacturers can offer much larger volumes legally. It’s a practical workaround that turned out to be genuinely convenient for vapers.

Why Sub-Ohm Vaping Chews Through E-Liquid

To understand why 100ml shortfills make so much sense for sub-ohm vaping, you need to appreciate just how much liquid a sub-ohm setup consumes. Sub-ohm vaping refers to using a coil with a resistance below one ohm, which allows you to fire at higher wattages and produce large, dense clouds of vapour.

That increased vapour production is exactly what many vapers love – but it comes at a cost. Where a mouth-to-lung (MTL) device might use 1–2ml of e-liquid per day, a sub-ohm device can easily burn through 5–15ml or more in a single session. If you’re buying standard 10ml bottles, you could be going through several a week, and the costs add up fast.

The Value Case for 100ml Shortfills

This is where the shortfill genuinely shines. A 100ml shortfill – once you add your nic shot – works out considerably cheaper per millilitre than buying multiple 10ml bottles of the equivalent liquid. For a heavy sub-ohm vaper, the savings over a month can be significant.

There’s also the convenience factor. Rather than running out mid-afternoon and hunting for a shop or waiting for a delivery, having a large bottle on hand means you’re topped up and ready to go. You’re not constantly watching the level drop with mild anxiety.

Flavour and VG/PG Ratios: Built for Sub-Ohm

One of the less talked about but very real advantages of shortfills is that they’re almost universally formulated with high VG (vegetable glycerin) ratios – typically 70VG/30PG or even 80VG/20PG. This matters enormously for sub-ohm vaping.

High VG liquids produce thicker, smoother clouds and carry flavour beautifully at high wattages. They’re also gentler on the throat compared to high-PG liquids, which makes the kind of long vaping sessions that sub-ohm setups encourage much more comfortable. Lower PG content also means less chance of throat irritation if you’re prone to sensitivity.

By contrast, most standard 10ml TPD-compliant bottles with nicotine already added tend to have higher PG ratios to help carry the nicotine more effectively – which is fine for MTL but isn’t ideal for sub-ohm clouds.

Nicotine Flexibility You Actually Want

Adding your own nic shots gives you something that pre-mixed nicotine liquids don’t always offer easily: genuine control over your nicotine level. Most sub-ohm vapers prefer lower nicotine strengths – typically 3mg or 6mg – because at high wattages, even a modest amount of nicotine hits with some force. Adding one nic shot to an 80ml shortfill gives you roughly 3mg, while two shots brings it closer to 6mg.

This means you can fine-tune your experience based on how you vape that day, your device, and your personal preference. It’s a level of customisation that pre-mixed bottles rarely provide as cleanly.

Are There Any Downsides?

Fairness requires acknowledging the trade-offs. Shortfills do involve a small amount of preparation – you need to add your nic shot, seal the bottle, and give it a good shake. For most people this is genuinely no bother at all, but it’s worth mentioning for anyone who prefers opening a bottle and pouring straight away.

There’s also the question of nic shot quality. Not all nic shots are created equal – some use freebase nicotine while others use nicotine salts (nic salts), which have a different feel on the throat and hit. If you’re mixing a salt-based nic shot into a shortfill designed for freebase, the experience can feel a little off. Getting familiar with what pairs well takes a small learning curve.

Finally, if you’re an ultra-light vaper or you prefer the convenience of a pod system, a 100ml shortfill might simply be more than you need. They’re not the right fit for everyone – but for regular sub-ohm vapers, the case for them is genuinely strong.

The Verdict

For sub-ohm vapers who go through liquid at any meaningful rate, 100ml shortfills are hard to beat. The value is better, the VG ratios are well matched to sub-ohm coils, the flavour selection is vast, and the ability to control your own nicotine strength gives you flexibility that pre-mixed liquids can’t match as easily. The minimal preparation involved is a small price for what you get in return.

If you haven’t already made the switch, your wallet – and your coils – will probably thank you.